If you go for long tours on your jeep, sometimes jeeps get heated because of old and insufficient radiators.
Radiators are responsible for cooling your jeep and they play a major role in the overall performance of the jeep for long tours.
When it comes to maintaining the performance of your Jeep JK, keeping the engine cool is crucial.
One of the best upgrades you can make is to replace the factory radiator with a high-performance option like the Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator.
You can also replace your radiator with a 3-row radiator because of its increased coolant flow capacity.
In this article, we are going to cover the benefits of this upgrade, a detailed installation guide, and considerations for your Jeep’s cooling system.
1- Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator
Why Upgrade to a Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator?
The factory radiator in Jeep JK models often struggles to keep the engine cool, especially during demanding off-road conditions.
The Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator provides a significant improvement over the stock radiator, offering several key advantages:
- Increased Thickness: The Mishimoto radiator is 60% thicker than the factory radiator, which enhances its cooling properties.
- Durability: It is constructed from aluminum and hand TIG welded, it is built to last and withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
- High Pressure Cap: It includes a 1.3 bar high-pressure radiator cap that raises the boiling point of the engine coolant, making your cooling system safer and more effective.
- Magnetic Drain Plug: The included drain plug captures metallic debris, helping to keep your cooling system clean.
These features make the Mishimoto radiator an excellent choice for Jeep owners looking to enhance performance and reliability.
Tools Needed for Installation
Before you begin the installation process, gather the following tools:
- Quarter-inch ratchet
- 7mm socket
- 8mm socket
- 10mm socket
- Small extension
- 10mm ratchet wrench
- Trim removal tool
- Pliers
- Drain pan
Here is a Step-by-Step Installation Guide
If you want to install Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator at your home, follow these steps for a successful installation in your Jeep JK:
1. Prepare Your Jeep
To change the radiator, you have to start by disconnecting the negative battery cable.
This will protect your electrical systems and ensure safety during the installation process.
2. Drain the Coolant
After that place a drain pan under the radiator.
Locate the drain knob at the bottom of the radiator and turn it counterclockwise to let the coolant drain out completely.
3. Remove the Factory Airbox
The next step is to detach the airbox by removing the four clips. Disconnect the PCV hose, and then pull off the bottom section of the airbox from its grommets.
4. Remove the Radiator Shroud
After removing the factory airbox, take off the four push pins on the top of the radiator shroud. Pull the shroud towards you to remove it.
5. Disconnect the Coolant Overflow Hose
You also have to remove the overflow hose from the top of the radiator. Let any remaining coolant drain into the pan.
6. Remove the Upper Radiator Hose
Depress the clamp using pliers and gently twist the upper radiator hose to remove it. Be cautious of residual coolant.
7. Remove the Fan Shroud
Disconnect the fan shroud by removing two 8mm bolts and three push pins located underneath the shroud.
8. Remove the Grill
To access the radiator, remove the grill by taking out six clips and disconnecting the turn signals.
9. Remove the AC Condenser
Unscrew the four 8mm bolts holding the AC condenser in place and set it aside.
10. Disconnect the Lower Radiator Hose
Repeat the process of depressing the clamp to remove the lower radiator hose. Ensure the drain pan is in place to catch any coolant.
11. Remove the Old Radiator
With everything disconnected, carefully pull out the old radiator and compare it with the new Mishimoto radiator.
12. Install the New Mishimoto Radiator
Place the new radiator into position and secure it using the two 10mm bolts at the top. Ensure it is aligned correctly.
13. Reinstall the AC Condenser
Attach the AC condenser back using the original hardware. Tighten all bolts securely.
14. Attach the Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses
Install the upper and lower radiator hoses, making sure to use the provided clamps and tighten them appropriately.
15. Reattach the Fan Shroud
Reinstall the fan shroud with the hardware you previously removed. Make sure to plug in the fan connector.
16. Reinstall the Airbox
Put the airbox back into position and secure it with the clips. Reconnect the PCV hose.
17. Reattach the Grill
Finally, reinstall the grill by reversing the steps you took to remove it.
18. Reconnect the Battery
Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check for leaks around the new radiator and hoses.
2- 3-Row Radiator
Why Consider a 3-Row Radiator?
The primary advantage of a 3-row radiator is its increased coolant flow capacity.
This design allows for better heat dissipation, which is particularly beneficial during demanding driving conditions, such as off-roading or towing.
If you’re facing overheating issues with your factory radiator, this 3-Row radiator can help keep your engine temperatures in check.
- Enhanced Cooling: The three-row design provides more surface area for coolant, which helps in maintaining optimal engine temperatures.
- Durable Construction: It is made up of high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum, this radiator is resistant to cracking and leaking compared to factory plastic options.
- Direct Fit: The radiator is designed to fit seamlessly into your Jeep without the need for modifications, making installation straightforward.
Key Features of the 3-Row Full Aluminum Radiator
This radiator offers several notable features that make it a valuable addition to your Jeep:
- Full Aluminum Build: This radiator is constructed entirely of aluminum, which provides both durability and lightweight benefits.
- Anodized Finish: This radiator is coated with a zinc finish to prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.
- Factory-Style Fit: It is designed to fit all 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler YJ and TJ models without any fabrication required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your jeeps are old and producing a problem regarding engine heat.
Then upgrading to a Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator is a fantastic way to enhance your Jeep JK’s cooling system.
With its improved thickness, durability, and features like a magnetic drain plug, you can ensure your engine remains cool even in the most demanding situations.
The installation process is straightforward, and with basic tools, it can be completed in about five hours.
You can also upgrade your factory radiator with a 3-row aluminum radiator.
This radiator is also very good because of its amazing built-in quality, 3-row design, and aluminum body.
Overall, investing in a Mishimoto radiator and 3-row aluminum radiator not only boosts performance but also contributes to the longevity of your Jeep JK.
Frequently Asked Question
How much to replace a radiator in a Jeep Wrangler?
The average cost of replacing a radiator in a Jeep Wrangler in the US is around 1000$-1200$.
And also you have to keep in mind the technician cost. Mostly it depends on the area in which you are living.
But the average technician cost of changing the radiator is around 150$- $250. Also, other parts of the radiator are around 800$ to 950$.
How do I know if my Jeep radiator is bad?
To determine if your Jeep radiator is bad, you have to look for signs like engine overheating, coolant leaks, or fluctuating temperature gauges.
If everything is fine then check for physical damage, such as cracks or corrosion, and look for rust or debris in the radiator.
if your heater isn’t working properly or if there’s poor cabin heating, this is also a bad radiator sign.
Is replacing radiators worth it?
Yes absolutely, replacing the radiator of your vehicle is worth it.
If your radiator is old, faulty, or insufficient, it is very important to replace your radiator.
New radiators are often more efficient, and better at heat distribution, and they also reduce fuel cost.
Which type of radiator is most efficient?
The most efficient type of radiator depends on your needs, but generally, modern aluminum radiators are highly efficient.
They heat up quickly, conduct heat well, and are lightweight.
Electric radiators with advanced thermostatic controls can also be efficient for targeted heating.